The Foundation of a Reloading Powerhouse: Examining the Dillon 550b
The Dillon 550b has earned its place as a cornerstone of many reloading benches. It’s a versatile, manually-indexed progressive press, designed to handle a wide range of pistol and rifle calibers. Its straightforward design and ease of use have made it a popular choice for both newcomers and experienced reloaders.
The 550b’s core strength lies in its robust construction. Built with high-quality materials, the frame is designed to withstand the forces generated during the reloading process, ensuring longevity and reliability. This sturdy frame is a significant factor in the press’s reputation for accuracy. The 550b also features a convenient shell plate indexing system that is both simple and effective. The press utilizes a multi-station design, allowing reloaders to perform several operations simultaneously, including resizing, priming, powder charging, bullet seating, and case crimping.
While the 550b provides a very efficient reloading experience, it’s important to acknowledge the limitations. As a manually-indexed press, its speed is dependent on the reloader’s pace. The manual indexing mechanism, while reliable, can occasionally be prone to slight variations. Despite these factors, the Dillon 550b has delivered consistent performance and has reliably produced high-quality ammunition for decades. It’s a testament to Dillon’s commitment to creating reliable and durable equipment.
Stepping Up the Game: Introducing the Dillon 550c
The Dillon 550c represents an evolution of the 550b design, incorporating several key improvements to enhance performance and user experience. The 550c retains the core principles of the 550b, but the upgrades are significant enough to make it a desirable upgrade for 550b owners.
The 550c frame has undergone some changes, resulting in increased rigidity. This added rigidity provides more stability during the reloading process. A more rigid frame contributes to more consistent rounds. The improvements, while not radically changing the operating principle, refined the design and the user experience.
The 550c features an improved primer feed system. The modifications increase the reliability of priming, helping to reduce the chance of misfires and malfunctions. The improved powder system makes for more precise and dependable powder dispensing. The improvements were designed to address some minor but present weaknesses of the 550b.
The 550c builds upon the solid foundation of the 550b, delivering a refined reloading experience. By addressing some of the weaknesses, the 550c has refined the process.
Unveiling the Transformation: What the Dillon 550b To 550c Conversion Kit Offers
The Dillon 550b To 550c Conversion Kit is a gateway to bringing the benefits of the 550c to your established 550b. The kit essentially allows you to upgrade several crucial components of your existing press, increasing the press’s capabilities and extending its lifespan.
The conversion kit comes packed with all the necessary parts to perform the transformation. You’ll find components such as the new frame, a revised primer system, and any supporting hardware required for the conversion. These carefully selected parts allow users to transform their older press to a more advanced platform.
The conversion kit primarily focuses on several key improvements. The most noticeable change is the frame upgrade. This new, more rigid frame provides increased stability during reloading. This added stability translates into more accurate and consistent rounds.
Also included is the modified priming system. Reloaders will notice improved primer feed reliability and efficiency. The improved system can help reloaders prevent jams and primer-related malfunctions. The conversion kit provides a more refined reloading experience with the revised priming system.
Getting Your Hands Dirty: Installing the Conversion Kit
Embarking on a Dillon 550b To 550c Conversion Kit installation requires careful planning and execution. Before you begin, gather the necessary tools and ensure that you have a clean and well-lit workspace. Safety is paramount; always wear safety glasses during this process. Review the included instructions thoroughly before starting.
Start by disassembling your Dillon 550b. This will involve removing the shell plate, dies, and all of the operating components. Follow the manufacturer’s directions step by step to ensure you remove the parts.
Once the 550b is fully disassembled, you can begin installing the conversion kit components. The kit usually involves attaching the new frame, replacing the priming system, and installing any additional parts. Careful adherence to the installation manual is key. Take your time, and double-check each step to ensure everything is properly installed.
The Rewards of the Upgrade: Benefits of the Conversion
The decision to purchase a Dillon 550b To 550c Conversion Kit comes with several worthwhile advantages. These benefits enhance the reloading process and improve the ammunition produced.
The most important benefit is the added frame strength. The new, more robust frame dramatically increases the press’s rigidity. This added stability translates into more accurate and consistent rounds.
The improved primer feed system brings with it several benefits. A more reliable feed means fewer interruptions during reloading. With a more reliable system, users can reload more quickly and with less frustration.
While the Dillon 550b is already a fast press, the upgrades found in the 550c can help improve the speed of the reloading process. The combination of the new frame and the improved priming system can help reduce loading times.
Weighing the Options: Considerations and Potential Drawbacks
The Dillon 550b To 550c Conversion Kit, while appealing, also requires some consideration before a purchase. There are certain aspects of the kit that are worth investigating.
One of the more significant factors is the cost of the conversion kit itself. Compared to the retail price of a brand-new 550c, the conversion kit offers a way to modernize your existing press at a lower cost. However, the price will have to be balanced against the benefits of upgrading.
Installing the conversion kit takes a bit of time and effort. Depending on your experience, the installation process might require a couple of hours. However, with patience and a careful approach, the conversion is achievable for the average reloader.
The 550b is a robust press; if you already maintain your 550b meticulously, the upgrades might not create a world of difference. Your level of care is a factor in determining the amount of upgrade.
Put to the Test: Performance and Real-World Experience
To evaluate the true worth of the Dillon 550b To 550c Conversion Kit, it’s important to look at its performance in real-world scenarios. The conversion kit’s overall impact on reloading is a very useful yardstick.
Reloaders who have adopted the conversion kit often report a noticeable increase in the consistency of their ammunition. The more rigid frame helps ensure that each case is processed in the same manner. The improved primer feed system adds another layer of reliability, preventing interruptions.
This conversion is well-suited to those who work with many different calibers. By allowing for a faster change of the setup, the conversion kit is a worthwhile investment for those who are reloading often.
The Verdict: Is the Upgrade the Right Choice for You?
So, is the Dillon 550b To 550c Conversion Kit a worthwhile investment? The answer depends on individual needs, budget, and reloading goals.
If you’re the proud owner of a Dillon 550b and are looking for a way to improve its performance and extend its life, then this kit is a good option. The improvements in frame rigidity and the primer system are significant upgrades that contribute to better quality ammunition.
If you already own a Dillon 550b, this conversion kit offers a cost-effective way to realize the advantages of the 550c. It’s a good value compared to purchasing a brand-new press.
However, for reloaders who are new to Dillon presses, it may be worthwhile to consider a new Dillon 550c. The cost of the kit combined with the time needed to install it can be close to the price of a new press.
It is the best choice for reloaders who want a smoother and more reliable reloading experience.
The Dillon 550b To 550c Conversion Kit is a worthwhile addition to any reloading setup. Its ability to transform the Dillon 550b is quite impressive. The improvements translate to a more accurate and efficient reloading experience. If you’re seeking a way to boost your reloading abilities, consider the conversion.
